Highlights of Eastern Europe

Day 1: Welcome to Vienna

Tune into the enchanting musical heritage of Vienna, your launch pad to a grand adventure through the highlights of Eastern Europe. This afternoon, a Local Specialist will guide you through Old Town Vienna on foot. You'll get a chance to admire the Hofburg Palace, Imperial Boulevards and the beloved St. Stephen's Cathedral, with its colourful tiled roof. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a welcome meeting and light dinner to kick off your holiday.

Day 2: Journey to Ljubljana

We cross the border to Slovenia. Join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour to see Ljubljana's Opera House, Cathedral, Three Bridges Square and Castle. This evening, we dine at our hotel.

Day 3: Lake Bled

Arrive at Lake Bled, an exquisite natural retreat set against the backdrop of forests and mountains. During your free time, you could consider taking a boat trip on its crystal clear waters to admire the castle, which clings dramatically to a cliff rising up from the lake's edge.

Day 4: Discover Historic Zagreb

We cross into Croatia and travel to its capital, Zagreb – our home for the next two nights. Join a Local Specialist who will share the landmarks of the city's Lower and Upper Town, including the Gothic Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace, the Opera House and St. Mark's Church, with its exquisitely coloured roof. You'll have a free evening to spend as you wish. Consider heading to Tkalčićeva Street to enjoy the lively evening atmosphere.

Day 5: Zagreb Your Way

Take time to explore a tale of two hilltop settlements and Zagreb's scenic cityscape, to this day lit by gas lamps in the Upper Town. Spend the day on your own, paying homage to the patron saint of Zagreb at its Stone Gate, or enjoying the city views from Strossmartre.

Day 6: Onwards to Lake Balaton and Budapest

Crossing the border into Hungary, we enjoy a photo stop on the shores of Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe and affectionately known by locals as the 'Hungarian Sea'. We continue to the romantic capital of Budapest – our home for the next two nights. Perhaps, sail along the Danube on a scenic river cruise, enjoy a dinner of traditional Hungarian dishes and breath-taking views, or relax in the healing waters of the Szecheyni Spa Bath as the sun sets.

Day 7: Explore Architectural Budapest

Today, we join a Local Specialist for a walking tour of the Castle district to admire picture-perfect views of the Danube and Fisherman's Bastion. Cross the Danube to continue your sightseeing in Pest, seeing the imposing Parliament and the Great Synagogue, the largest in Europe. This evening we meet a local family of winemakers, who pride themselves on their organic production. Enjoy their home smoked Mangalica ham and hear their unique family story at our BMG Experience.

Day 8: Off to Slovakia and on to Kraków

The exquisite natural landscape of Slovakia provides a scenic backdrop for our journey to Poland, past the foothills of the Tatra Mountains. We arrive in the enchanting city of Kraków. Consider an evening of lively Polish entertainment with dinner, or perhaps visit a traditional Polish Wódka Bar.

Day 9: Kraków Sightseeing and Auschwitz Memorial

Enjoy a leisurely walk through the beautiful streets of Kraków today with your Local Specialist, taking in highlights such as the Royal Castle and Cathedral on Wawel Hill, recognised as one of Poland’s most historically and culturally significant sites. Continue through the Old Town to hear the bugle call from St. Mary's Church and take in views of the Cloth Hall. Later, travel to the former concentration camp at Auschwitz—a poignant and powerful reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust. This evening, dine at your hotel.

Day 10: On to Warsaw

Before departing Kraków this morning, consider joining an Optional Experience to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, where vast underground chambers have been carved from solid rock salt. Later today, arrive in the elegant Polish capital, Warsaw, and enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Day 11: See the Sights of Warsaw

Connect with the youthful energy of Warsaw, a city that has triumphed over the tragedy of war and the shackles of communism. This morning, we join a Local Specialist visiting the Old Town, which the Nazis destroyed to retaliate against the Warsaw Uprising. You'll also see the site of the Warsaw Ghetto, immortalised in the Roman Polanski film – 'The Pianist'. Spend the rest of the day exploring the sights on your own, or celebrate the talents of Chopin during a private recital of Chopin's works.

Day 12: Journey to Bustling Berlin

Journey across Poland's patchwork countryside along the Autostrada Wolności (Motorway of Freedom) which was first initiated by Nazi Germany to connect Berlin with Poland and left unfinished for decades after World War II. Continue west into Germany and arrive in Berlin, a capital city with an enviable youthful verve and charisma. Here you’ll enjoy an evening at leisure to explore the city your way, or join us for a truly memorable optional evening in former West Berlin.

Day 13: Uncover Berlin’s Secrets

Start your day at the Berlin Wall Memorial on Bernauer Strasse, where you’ll hear stories of the city’s division and reunification. Then set off with a Local Specialist to explore key sites including the Reichstag, Tiergarten, Brandenburg Gate and the boulevard of Unter den Linden. Later, enjoy free time to explore Berlin your way. Perhaps discover the treasures of Museum Island or simply unwind in one of the city’s leafy parks or cafes. If you’d like to dive deeper, join an Optional Experience to uncover more of Berlin’s history with a Local Specialist.

Day 14: Onwards to Dresden and Prague

Travel through the Spreewald Forest to Dresden - its iconic domes and spires almost entirely rebuilt after the Allied Forces left their deep scars on the city during World War II. Hear about its restoration during your orientation tour as you stroll through its streets to see the Semper Opera, Zwinger Palace and fully reconstructed Frauenkirche. We leave Germany behind and travel to the Czech Republic, arriving later in glorious Prague, straddling the mighty Vltava. Spend your evening savouring hearty Czech flavours during a Regional Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 15: Discover Colourful Prague

Explore exquisite Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque façades as you ramble through the ancient streets of Prague with your Local Specialist who will share insights into the city's centuries-old history. Marvel at Prague Castle and the Cathedral of St Vitus, then pass the Old New Synagogue on our way to the Old Town Square. Don't miss the hourly walk of the Apostles at the famous Astronomical Clock during your free time exploring. Perhaps indulge in some delicious sweet pastry Trdelník in the Old Town Square, admire the view from Petřín Hill or consider a relaxing cruise on the Vltava.

Day 16: Through Southern Bohemia to Vienna

Journey through the lush green and golden landscapes of southern Bohemia en route to Vienna. In the imperial city, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and share a final dinner with your fellow travellers and Travel Director.

Day 17: Farewell Vienna

Say a fond farewell to your newfound friends and an epic adventure together through eastern Europe.